Scotland team predicted for Ukraine showdown as 4 contenders to replace Kieran Tierney emerge

If your nerves are jangling already, then you're not the only one.

In less than 24 hours, Scotland will take on Ukraine at Hampden with a place in the World Cup playoff final at stake.

And while Steve Clarke 's team can often pick itself these days due to the settled nature of the squad, that's not quite the case this time around.

Kieran Tierney's absence is a hammer blow and Clarke confirmed on Tuesday he's been dealt another major setback - with Nathan Patterson also ruled out.

"Everyone except Nathan (is available)," Clarke said. "Nathan has run out of time a little bit for the first game.

"So he won't be involved in the first game but everyone else is good to go."

Both injuries mean some juggling in the back five will be required with Scott McKenna and Liam Cooper the frontrunners to come in and replace Tierney.

But neither can progress up the pitch like Tierney can so could Andy Robertson tuck in with Aaron Hickey or Greg Taylor assuming the left wing-back role?

Or could Clarke even switch to a back four after the Czech Republic defeat at Euro 2020 laid bare Tierney's huge influence on the back five setup?

On the other flank, replacing Patterson is a little more straightforward with two contenders to step into the wing-back role.

Stephen O'Donnell is the obvious frontrunner as he's a trusted lieutenant to Clarke and may be the safe pick for such a huge game.

But Celtic defender Anthony Ralston can't be ignored after a resurgent season in green and white. He could be a wildcard pick that would bring energy and physicality to what is set to be a battle.

Further up the pitch, it looks likely to be Billy Gilmour and Callum McGregor pairing up in midfield with John McGinn supporting Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams in